Austin Peay football's top running backs, Marvin Franklin and Kendall Morris, run very similar styles and are basically dead even in the push to become the No. 1 back.
Autumn Allison/The Leaf-Chronicle

TROY, Ala. – Junior tight end James Coleman had a career day accounting for 65 yards and two scores on six catches in Austin Peay State’s season opener, a 57-17, loss on the road at FBS level Troy Saturday night in Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Turning Point

With the Governors leading 14-13 at the 11:07 mark of the 2nd quarter, Troy answered back for the eventual game-winning touchdown less than two minutes later, when Trojan quarterback Sawyer Smith led a quick four-play, 75-yard drive. On 2nd and 7, Sawyer completed a deep pass to Hiram Velez for a 47-yard touchdown.

Inside the Boxscore

Junior tight end James Coleman became the first Austin Peay player to total two or more touchdowns in a single game since Jared Beard did so vs. Murray State in 2014.

The two touchdowns for Coleman were the second and third of his career.

In addition, Coleman set career-highs in catches with six and yardage with 65.